Michelin LT failure
Well, I never expected to be writing this but I had a blowout on my second set of Michelin 16” LT load range E tires. They were only a year old. We were on our way back to Houston Tx a week ago fr...
Forum Discussion
I truncated most of this post to both save space and make it clear exactly what I am responding to.
First, the Department of Transportation doesn't certify anything. They are the regulation body, and while they do spot checks, the system is one of self certification. In other words, the tire manufacturer is stating that the tire with the letters "DOT" meet the regulations. The tire manufacturer doesn't actually have to test any of these tires, but if challenged, they have to be able to justify their actions.
Additionally, EVERY tire that hits the street in the US has to have the letters "DOT" on the sidewall - and that includes 14.5" tires.
(OK, there are some special use exceptions, but those are really exceptions, like moving mining equipment, and not broad based exceptions, like delivering trailers.)
Me Again wrote:
.....I believe that there is a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards ruling that these can not be used in other highway service! MHT tires are not DOT certified tires, right?.....
First, the Department of Transportation doesn't certify anything. They are the regulation body, and while they do spot checks, the system is one of self certification. In other words, the tire manufacturer is stating that the tire with the letters "DOT" meet the regulations. The tire manufacturer doesn't actually have to test any of these tires, but if challenged, they have to be able to justify their actions.
Additionally, EVERY tire that hits the street in the US has to have the letters "DOT" on the sidewall - and that includes 14.5" tires.
(OK, there are some special use exceptions, but those are really exceptions, like moving mining equipment, and not broad based exceptions, like delivering trailers.)
